Tacovore — Restaurant in Portland

Update 11/12/23 The consistency and quality has gone downhill. We used to order from here at least once a week. After getting served cold queso (twice in a row on the same visit), after getting sick from bad fried fish tacos and never comped (called in to tell them, they told me they would refund me, then never did), after getting the basic taco "Old E" with more shell than toppings several times, after so many gross and greasy tacos that I can't remember which ones were good anymore, after all this, they lose 2 stars. This place has lost my loyalty. I didn't think it would happen like this. It's sad for me in a way. This place will stay open and busy, just like Por que No, Cha Cha Cha, and all the other spots in that tier. I, for one, will be going elsewhere. I may eat here again, but it's probably going to be under the same circumstances as my last experience; Everything else was closed, and I didn't want to drive anywhere that's better. (Original review) I've been coming here since they opened the doors on their Portland location. Every taco I have had has been consistent in quality and value. Some of the special tacis are excellent. The prices are fair considering the quality of ingredients and the portion sizes. Still paying $3-5 per taco, but it's all about the quality here. The beverages are all excellent, love the limeade(its pretty tart but you can cut it with some soda water) The staff are all incredibly friendly and attentive. The wait to order can be a bit long at peak times but then once you have ordered they have a reorder line to skip the wait. We had a really amazing interaction with the manager on a really rough day, they won my loyalty, and they will win...

1 star review for some pretty simple reasons....

For the cost of a single taco (7$) and overly priced poorly mixed drinks you would expect maybe the following:

Table service. Your tablet asks for a generous 25% tip but your establishment does basically the same service (but pricier) that Chipotle or Qdoba provides. Maybe have the generous amount of labor on hand wait tables? Sitting and making sour faces (see poorly mixed drinks) at each other while deciding what to eat, only to have to walk back up to order is just stupid. You are a restaurant not a food cart.

Price vs. Quantity: not much to say here. Everything is basically more expensive than well every other decent taco joint in PDX. The meat is pre-made and on a steamer so it isn't like the quality is in the price. Heck, you even charge for chips and salsa?

Service pt. 2: Again, your model is a restaurant right? Bussing tables is what your staff get paid for. Your customers shouldn't have to. We'll, unless you are just modeling yourself as a fast food restaurant that charges too much. Also, requiring people to get their own water, go get their own hot sauce, stop eating to go ask for another drink that they have to pick up and bring to the table themselves. Come on, I know this is Portland and in a nice neighborhood but we aren't slumming.

There are easy ways to fix what could be a business that lasts in that spot. I acknowledge that you have great reviews and maybe those are just people glad to see a nonshuttered business at that spot. Or who haven't been to the myriad of great taco stands and spots in our fair city. This place made me miss having Cha Cha Cha! A few...

Absolutely wonderful! The whole experience. I sat at the bar and hung out with the bartender Luis. His recommendations for tacos to try where spot on! I watched the place get busy for dinner rush. An have to say. If you see a line at the door. Dont turn away. It's worth any sort of wait. And if you dont want to stand in line. Just go take a seat at the bar. It had No wait and you can order food as well from Luis. He took great care of me and a friend that showed up later. I'll definitely be back for that carnitas! They have a killer recipe that they are working with and you can tell! Definitely make that 1 of your choices to try. The crispy cauliflower taco sounds weird. And it is. But its equally delicious and worth ever bite. They top it off with a great selection of salsas. My favorite was by far the pineapple! It went great on all the tacos I tried. All of this recommended by the bartender as well as the drink specials for the day. My friend and I left fat and happy with food and several drinks each in our belly and all for under $35! Talk about a deal! I'll definitely be back. An happily recomend it. Good work Tacovore! I'll be...